Main Street Ventures was one of five groups approved to receive investments from Ohio Third Frontier.

The Ohio Third Frontier Commission approved $3.6 million for projects Wednesday, contingent upon Controlling Board approval. The only local project is Main Street Ventures, which was approved for $200,000 from Ohio’s New Entrepreneurs Fund. The funding will be used to support 10 teams of entrepreneurs in summer/fall 2013 through the Brandery accelerator. The program focuses on consumer marketing concepts and helps technology startups better use branding, design and marketing.

“Ohio Third Frontier continues to see great results as we work to support innovation, commercialization and the attraction of capital and talent, which will have a direct impact on the success and prosperity of our economy,” Christiane Schmenk, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency and chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission, said in a news release. “Today’s investments further strengthen Ohio’s tech-based economy and the development of promising technologies and business ventures.”

A large chunk of funding was committed to Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. for its Global Technical Center. Ohio Third Frontier committed $2.8 million, contingent upon Cooper Tire’s selection of Findlay as the location for the center, which will accelerate research and development of advanced tire and material technologies.

Other groups to receive funding include:

• Bizdom U Fund in Cleveland was approved for $200,000 to support 10 teams of entrepreneurs in summer 2013 through the accelerator, Bizdom Cleveland;

• Founders Factory LLC, Columbus was approved for $200,000 to support 10 teams of entrepreneurs in fall 2013 through the accelerator, 10-xelerator; and

• Shaker LaunchHouse, in the city of Shaker Heights, was approved for $200,000 to support 10 teams of entrepreneurs in summer/fall 2013 through the accelerator, LaunchHouse Accelerator.